A Gestalt Approach to Social Work Practice

The perspective of Gestalt therapy in social work practice

“…The Gestalt therapy theory emphasizes authentic dialogue, since its premise is emphasizing that people are naturally inclined to interact and instinctively develop relationships with others in order to develop themselves as personalities [7,8]. According to Melnick and Nevis [12], the essential ingredient in Gestalt therapy is the use of methods that support authentic and self-disclosing dialogue.…”

“…It is a ratio in which both parties grow as personalities, albeit not necessarily equal parts. However, Senreich [8] points out that the "I-You" relationship between a client and a helping professional does not mean that a social worker can freely disclose personal information and open up her feelings, regardless of whether they relate to the client's situation. Opening up from a social worker is acceptable only to the extent that it serves the client's benefit.…”

“…In turn, the client clearly understands what is going on with him and how he contributes to this relationship. From the point of view of Gestalt, the "I-You" relationship fosters respect for the client's choice, his attitude, respect for his dignity and self-determination [8].…”

“…2016 Researchers [3][4][5][6][7] explored the dialogue-based social worker-client relationship in order to establish a contact and enable the client to change. Researchers [8,9] point out that the principles of Gestalt therapy and social work are coherent, such as: interaction between the client and the environment, understanding of the individual / client situation, empathybased aid relationships, identification of the client's strengths (ecological approach) and selfrealization recognition. Senreich [8] examined the application of theoretical ideas of Gestalt therapy -the "I-You" relationship, field theory, creative adaptation and phenomenology, based on cases from social work practice.…”

“…Researchers [8,9] point out that the principles of Gestalt therapy and social work are coherent, such as: interaction between the client and the environment, understanding of the individual / client situation, empathybased aid relationships, identification of the client's strengths (ecological approach) and selfrealization recognition. Senreich [8] examined the application of theoretical ideas of Gestalt therapy -the "I-You" relationship, field theory, creative adaptation and phenomenology, based on cases from social work practice. Bourque and Sherlock [10] analyzed the application of Gestalt therapies to the treatment by social workers to oncologic patients.…”